Norfolk Southern and New York State usher in Modern Era for Freight Rail with Genesee Arch Bridge Dedication

Ushering in a modern era for freight rail in New York’s Southern Tier, Norfolk Southern and New York State officials, along with many supporters, dedicated a new steel arch railroad bridge that spans the “Grand Canyon of the East.”

Surrounded by scenic Letchworth State Park, the $75-million bridge expands freight rail capacity and economic opportunities for businesses and communities across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. Constructed through a public-private partnership, the single-track arch structure replaced a 19th-century-era bridge that restricted train speeds and rail car weights and had become a major transportation bottleneck.

In recognition of a new beginning, Norfolk Southern CEO James A. Squires announced that the bridge, which spans the 235-foot-deep Genesee River Gorge, has been named the Genesee Arch Bridge. That name received the most votes during a bridge-naming campaign on social media.

“The successful partnership we are here to celebrate demonstrates that big things can be accomplished when the private sector and the public sector work together to achieve common goals,” Squires said. “The new Genesee Arch Bridge is literally a bridge to the future. It represents our shared commitment to support jobs and economic growth that will benefit businesses and communities across New York for generations to come.”

Norfolk Southern partnered on the project with the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, and the Federal Highway Administration.

Get more details at NorfolkSouthern.com

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